LANDLORDS who fail to make licence applications or who fall short with other housing safety problems could be hit in the pocket due to a new approach to licence fees and enforcement charges.

Cherwell District Council's executive has approved a new licence fee structure for landlords of houses in multiple occupations, known as HMOs.

These are houses rented out by people who are not from one ‘household’.

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Landlords who are found operating unlicensed HMOs, or who are not complying with the conditions of their current licence, will be charged up to £600 more for a new licence than those who obey the law.

Non-compliant landlords can expect to pay up to £1,050 for a new licence, whereas compliant landlords can renew a five-year licence from just £45.

Councillor John Donaldson, Cherwell's lead member for housing, said: “The new fees structure encourages landlords to do the right thing for their tenants. Those who are doing well get rewarded, but anyone who chooses not to comply will pay a higher cost for their HMO licence.”

Licences are needed for all HMOs with five or more residents. Conditions cover safety issues such as annual gas safety certificates and keeping electrical appliances in a safe condition.

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They can also specify the number of occupiers and any works required to bring the property up to standard.

Along with the new fee structure, the executive backed a plan to offer advisory visits to landlords thinking of operating an HMO. In return for a fee, council experts will help them avoid falling into the higher fee band. The new fees will go live in April.